According to rice planthopper occurrence area ratio,occurrence degree data from 1971 to 2010,a new factor was defined as occurrence index,reflecting the comprehensive damage degree of rice planthopper.Based on 74 atmospheric circulation characteristics data from month to month in 1970-2010,all possible combinations of circulation characteristics were constructed by factor puffing.By means of correlation analysis,leading indicators of national rice planthopper occurrence rank in early February,April and June was established.The results showed that rank indicating factors of national rice planthopper occurrence area ratio included the area index of western pacific subtropical anticyclone,the ridge line of south China sea subtropical anticyclone,the northern hemisphere polar vortex intensity index and India-Burma trough.The rank indicating factors of national planthopper occurrence degree included the northern boundary of Pacific subtropical anticyclone,Asian zonal circulation index,Asian trough intensity,and sun spots.The rank indicating factors of national planthopper occurrence index included the intensity index of northern hemisphere subtropical anticyclone,the northern hemisphere polar vortex intensity index,Atlantic European type circulation index and Tibet Plateau index.The values of rank indicators had great differences in light,partially light,partially heavy,and heavy ranks.Rank indicators had a good indication for planthopper occurrence rank,which can provide a scientific basis for long-term forecasting of rice planthopper.